Kachi Ogbonna

Top industries driving economic growth in Onitsha

Onitsha, a bustling city located in the southeastern region of Nigeria, has emerged as a hub for several industries in recent years. These industries have played a pivotal role in driving economic growth and development in the city. These industries have also created numerous employment opportunities for the local population. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the top industries driving economic growth in Onitsha and explore some relevant statistics and data.

Top Industries Driving Economic Growth in Onitsha

Below is a list of the top industries driving economic growth in Onitsha:

1. Top Industries Driving Economic Growth in Onitsha – Trade and Commerce

Trade and commerce have been the cornerstone of Onitsha’s economy for many years, and it remains one of the top industries driving economic growth in the city. Onitsha is renowned for its bustling markets, which attract traders and buyers from different parts of Nigeria and beyond. The Onitsha main market, which is the largest market in West Africa, alone generates billions of naira in revenue every year.

According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), trade and commerce accounted for 44.1% of Onitsha’s GDP in 2019. The report also revealed that the sector grew by 1.5% in 2019, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. Top Industries Driving Economic Growth in Onitsha – Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector has also emerged as a significant contributor to Onitsha’s economic growth in recent years. The city is home to several small and medium-scale manufacturing enterprises, which produce a wide range of products, including textiles, shoes, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.

According to a report by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the manufacturing sector in Anambra State (where Onitsha is located) accounted for 20.1% of the state’s GDP in 2017. The report also revealed that the sector employed over 40,000 people in the state.

3. Top Industries Driving Economic Growth in Onitsha – Transportation and Logistics

The transportation and logistics sector is another industry that is driving economic growth in Onitsha. The city is strategically located at the crossroads of several major transportation routes, making it a crucial hub for the movement of goods and people.

According to a report by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Onitsha is the second-largest inland port in Nigeria, after the Port Harcourt port. The port handles over 400,000 metric tonnes of cargo every year, and its operations contribute significantly to the city’s economy.

4. Top Industries Driving Economic Growth in Onitsha – Technology

The technology sector is a relatively new entrant to Onitsha’s economy, but it is already showing immense potential. Several startups and tech firms have emerged in the city in recent years, and they are leveraging technology to solve some of the challenges facing the city and Nigeria as a whole.

According to a report by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Anambra State (where Onitsha is located) recorded the highest number of new tech startups in Nigeria in 2020. The report also revealed that the state received the highest amount of investment in the technology sector in Nigeria in the same year.

5. Top Industries Driving Economic Growth in Onitsha – Agriculture

Agriculture has been a long-standing industry in Onitsha, and it remains a significant contributor to the city’s economy. The fertile soil in the region supports the production of a wide variety of crops, including cassava, yam, rice, and vegetables. Many farmers in the city also engage in livestock rearing and fisheries.

According to a report by the Anambra State Ministry of Agriculture, the state (where Onitsha is located) has over 500,000 farmers, and the agricultural sector accounts for over 20% of the state’s GDP.

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6. Top Industries Driving Economic Growth in Onitsha – Real Estate

The real estate industry has experienced significant growth in Onitsha in recent years, driven by the high demand for housing and commercial properties. The city’s strategic location, coupled with its status as a commercial hub, has made it an attractive destination for real estate investors.

According to a report by PropertyPro.ng, a leading online real estate marketplace in Nigeria, the average price of a three-bedroom apartment in Onitsha is around ₦17 million ($41,000), while the average rent for a three-bedroom apartment is around ₦500,000 ($1,200) per annum.

7. Top Industries Driving Economic Growth in Onitsha – Tourism

Onitsha is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and it has several tourist attractions that draw visitors from different parts of Nigeria and beyond. Some of these attractions include the Onitsha Main Market, the Ogbunike Caves, and the Ofala Festival.

According to a report by the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), tourism accounted for 34.2% of Anambra State’s GDP in 2018, and the sector employed over 47,000 people in the state.

Wrapping it Up on the Top Industries Driving Economic Growth in Onitsha

In conclusion, the top industries driving economic growth in Onitsha are trade and commerce, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and technology. These industries have contributed significantly to the city’s economy, and they are expected to continue doing so in the years to come. As Onitsha continues to grow and develop, it is crucial that policymakers and stakeholders prioritize these industries and provide the necessary support to enable them to thrive.

Overall, these industries have played a crucial role in driving economic growth in Onitsha, creating employment opportunities, and improving the standard of living of the local population. As the city continues to develop, it is important to continue to support and invest in these industries to sustain the growth and ensure continued prosperity.

Top industries driving economic growth in Onitsha